NRG Energy Tops Q3 Earnings, $3B Share Repurchase Program Extends Through 2028

Core Insights - NRG Energy, Inc. reported third-quarter 2025 results, showing a decline in share price despite beating revenue and earnings expectations [1][8]. Financial Performance - Revenue for the quarter was $7.635 billion, exceeding the consensus estimate of $7.482 billion [2]. - Adjusted EPS was $2.78, surpassing the consensus of $2.10 [2]. - Quarterly operating income reached $414 million, a significant improvement from a loss of $812 million in the same quarter last year [2]. - Adjusted EBITDA increased to $1.205 billion from $1.055 billion year-over-year [3]. - Adjusted net income rose to $537 million, up $434 million year-over-year, driven by higher adjusted EBITDA [3]. - Operating cash flow for the quarter was $484 million, compared to $31 million a year ago [3]. - Free Cash Flow Before Growth Investments was reported at $828 million [3]. Liquidity Position - As of September 30, 2025, NRG had approximately $0.7 billion in unrestricted cash and $5.7 billion available through credit facilities, totaling $6.5 billion in liquidity [4]. Shareholder Returns - On October 16, 2025, NRG's Board approved a $3 billion share repurchase program through 2028 [5]. - A quarterly dividend of 44 cents per share ($1.76 annualized) was announced, payable on November 17, 2025 [5]. - The company targets $1 billion in repurchases for 2026 and plans to increase the annual dividend by 8% to $1.90 per share [5]. Future Outlook - NRG reaffirmed its 2025 capital allocation plan, aiming to return $1.3 billion via share repurchases and approximately $345 million in dividends [7]. - The outlook for adjusted EPS is set at $7.55-$8.15, with adjusted EBITDA projected between $3.875 billion and $4.025 billion [7]. - For 2026, NRG projects adjusted EBITDA of $3.925 billion to $4.175 billion and Free Cash Flow Before Growth Investments of $1.975 billion to $2.225 billion [8].